Collapsible vehicle storage structure

ABSTRACT

A vehicle cover ( 10 ) has first and second cover members ( 12, 14 ) of which one pivots relative to the other about a pivot (A) to move between open and closed positions of the cover. The cover ( 10 ) includes a base on which one of the members is mounted and the arrangement is such that after one of the cover members is pivoted relative to the other, the two cover members ( 12, 14 ) are moveable as one relative to the base to enable full access to the vehicle.

This application is the US national phase of international applicationPCT/GB03/00887 filed 3 Mar. 2003 which designated the U.S. and claimsbenefit of GB 0205488.0, dated 8 Mar. 2002, the entire content of whichis hereby incorporated by reference.

The present invention relates to a cover or enclosure for a motorvehicle and particularly, but not exclusively, to a cover for a smallautomobile.

It is known to provide portable or semi-portable covers, enclosures orshelters to provide protection for vehicles such as cars or motorcyclesfrom adverse weather conditions and to reduce the occurrence ofvandalism or attempted theft of the vehicle.

Such enclosures are primarily intended for use in housing relativelynarrow vehicles such as motorbikes and, specifically, vehicles which donot possess side-opening doors. Provided that the enclosure issufficiently proportioned, it is possible to house a larger vehicle,such as a conventional automobile, in the enclosure. However, theside-opening doors of the vehicle can be prevented from fully opening bythe side walls of the enclosure.

One solution to this problem which has been proposed is to proportionthe enclosure such that it is sufficiently wide to permit the doors ofthe vehicle to be opened within the enclosure. Another option is tomanually push or pull the vehicle into and out of the enclosure but thelatter solution is impractical for most purposes.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide an improved cover orenclosure for a vehicle which addresses one or more of the problemsassociated with existing covers.

According to one aspect the present invention there is provided a coverfor a vehicle, the cover comprising first and second cover members, thesecond cover member being pivotable by pivot means relative to the firstcover member between open and closed positions of the cover, in the openposition of which one member lies inside the other member, and a basemember on which the first cover member is mounted so that, after thesecond cover member is pivoted to the open position, the first andsecond cover members are reciprocally moveable as one relative to thebase member to give full access to a vehicle within the cover.

Preferably, the base member is arranged to be fixed and provide guidemeans co-operating with the first member to permit said reciprocalmovement by way of rolling action.

More preferably, the guide means is slidably engagable with a fixed partof the cover thereby to enable said first and second cover members toslide relative to said fixed part from said open position to the fullaccess position.

Advantageously, the cover may comprise a plurality of rotatable wheelsor the like.

The cover may further comprise means for automatically pivoting saidsecond cover member from the closed position to the open position.Alternatively, or in addition, the cover may comprise means forautomatically moving said first and second cover members to and from thefull access position.

Advantageously, the cover includes means for controlling the pivotingmovement of the members and, for example, biassing the members towardssaid one or other position or towards both positions from a neutralposition.

Conveniently, the first and second cover members are of a generallyrigid structure and define between them a substantially sealed enclosurewhen in the closed position.

The invention may also provide a cover as described above having anintegral dehumidifier unit for extracting water vapour from within thestorage enclosure.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, withreference to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred form of cover in side elevation;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the cover of FIG. 1 in its closed, open andfull access positions;

FIG. 3 illustrates a mechanism for controlling the opening and closingof the cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates operation of the mechanism of FIG. 3 between closedand open positions of the cover;

FIG. 5 illustrates a modification to the mechanism of FIG. 3 and itsoperation between open and full access positions of the cover;

FIG. 6 illustrates operation of the mechanism of FIG. 5 between fullaccess and open position of the cover; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a preferred form of dehumidifier for use with thecover of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a preferred form of cover according to theinvention is shown generally at 10 and comprises first and second covermembers 12, 14 each being generally of similar shape as described below.

Each of the first and second cover members 12, 14 comprises twospaced-apart substantially parallel, sector-shaped side walls 16, 18which are interconnected by means of an arcuate top wall 20 joining thearcuate edges 16 a, 18 a of the side walls 16, 18.

The second cover member 14 is generally similar in shape to the firstcover member 12 but has larger dimensions than the first cover member 12for reasons described below. A handle 27 is provided on the top wall 20near the edge thereof adjacent the open face 24 of the second covermember.

The first and second cover members 12, 14 are preferably constructedfrom an integral plastics or fibreglass moulding, from one or more sheetmetal pressings, or from fabric or sheet plastics skin supported on arelatively rigid framework.

The first and second cover members 12, 14 are pivotally connectedtogether at their side walls 16, 18 by means of pivots, enabling thesecond cover member to pivot or rotate relative to the first covermember about an axis of rotation A. The axis of rotation A defined bythe pivots and extends laterally through the side walls 16, 18 of thefirst and second cover members 12, 14 at a point distanced from the apexor centre radius of each side wall. The pivots are provided by means ofbolts or pins 30, best illustrated in FIG. 3.

It will be understood from the foregoing that the second cover member 14is able to pivot or rotate relative to the first cover member 12 betweena first, closed position (as shown in the upper drawing of FIG. 2) wherethe first and second cover members together define a storage area,enclosure or volume in which a vehicle, such as a small automobile, maybe stored, and a second, open position (as shown in the centre drawingof FIG. 2) in which access to the storage area is permitted. It willfurther be understood that the axis of rotation A about which the secondcover member 14 pivots is offset form the geometrical centre or centreof radius of the side walls of each cover member.

As shown in the upper drawing of FIG. 2, in the closed position, thefirst and second cover members 12, 14 are arranged with their frontfaces opposing and their bottom faces adjacent and generally parallel tothe ground. The cover 10 in this position defines an enclosure orstorage area in which a vehicle such as a small automobile may bestored.

As shown in the centre drawing of FIG. 2, the second cover member 14 isarranged to be pivoted about the pivots 30 in the direction of the arrowB such that it extends over the first cover member 12, the lattereffectively being telescopically withdrawn into the second cover member14. In the open position, the second cover member 14 has pivoted throughapproximately 90° relative to the first cover member 12 which is thussubstantially contained within the second member 14 with the front face22 of the first cover member and the bottom face 24 of the second covermember generally co-planar. An opening, defined by the bottom face ofthe second cover member 14 and the front face of the first cover member12, is thus provided through which access to the storage area ispermitted and by which a vehicle may be removed from, or placed within,the storage area. Owing to the offset location of the pivot pointrelative to the centre of radius of the first and second cover members,in the open position, the front face of the second cover member lies ashort distance off the ground such that the second cover member issubstantially wholly carried by the first cover member.

In the open position, as stated above, access to the storage area ispermitted. However, as can be seen from the vehicle outline in thedrawings, the side-opening doors of the vehicle are restricted fromopening to any extent by the side walls 16, 18 of the first and secondcover members. This problem is particularly acute where the cover has aninternal width which is only slightly greater than the maximum width ofthe car, thereby to minimise the ground space taken up by the coverwhilst still enabling the car to fit within the storage area.

In order to address this problem, the first cover member 12 is providedwith guide means in the form of an elongate, generally horizontal trackor runner 40 formed on the inside surface of each side wall 16, 18thereof. The track 40, which is best shown in FIG. 3, extendssubstantially parallel to and adjacent the lower edge of the first covermember and is engagable with a plurality of rotatable wheels 42 whichare carried on a guide fixed relative to the ground surface so as to beslidable therealong. This arrangement permits the first cover member tobe translated, i.e. to move laterally without angular displacement,relative to both the ground surface and the vehicle within the storagearea.

Thus, as shown in the lower drawing of FIG. 2, the first and secondcover members 12, 14, the latter being carried by the former, arearranged to be slidable forwardly of the storage area, in the directionof arrow C, thereby to move the side walls thereof away from a positionwhich hinders or prevents opening of the side doors of the vehicle. Inthis third position, referred to as the “full access” position, the sidewalls 16, 18 of the first and second cover members 12, 14 are positionedaway from the doors of the vehicle which can thus be opened easily toenable the vehicle to be removed from within the storage enclosure.

In operation, therefore, if it is desired to remove a vehicle fromwithin the cover 10, the second cover member 14 is manually rotatedabout the first cover member from the closed position to the openposition. When the second cover member 14 is in the open position, i.e.it has rotated through substantially 90°, the first and second covermembers 12, 14 are slid forwardly, relative to the vehicle, by means ofthe elongate track 40 disposed on the first cover member engaging withthe wheels 42 on the guide so that the side walls 16, 18 of the firstand second cover members 12, 14 are no longer obstructing the doors ofthe vehicle. The doors of the vehicle can thus be opened to enable thevehicle to be driven from within the storage area.

Referring to FIG. 3, this illustrates biassing means for neutrallybiassing or counterbalancing the pivoting movement of the second covermember 14 about the first cover member 12. As illustrated, the secondcover member 14 is pivotable about the first cover member 12 by means ofa pin 30, which is rigidly connected to, and extends inwardly from, theinner surface of each side wall 18 of the second cover member 12 The pin30 extends through an aperture in the corresponding side wall 16 of thefirst cover member 12, within which it is free to rotate. At its freeend, the pin carries an armature or lever 44 which is fixed with respectto the pin 30 and hence with respect to the second cover member 14. Thusas the second cover member 14 rotates, so the lever 44 also rotatesrelative to the first cover member 12.

The free end of the lever 44 is rigidly connected to an end plate 46 ofa gas strut arrangement comprising a gas strut 48. One end of gas strut48 is pivotally connected to the end plate 46. As illustrated, the pointat which the lever 44 is connected to the end plate 46 coincidental withthe attachment of the lever 44 to the plate 46.

The other end of gas strut 48 is pivotally connected to the innersurface of the side wall 16 of the first cover member 12 at a pointdisplaced to one side of a vertical line containing the pin 30.

Such displacement has regard to the centre of gravity of the coverduring opening when the strut 48 provides greater assistance to openingand support for the cover than when the cover has moved towards the openposition when support required is less.

FIG. 4 illustrates the gas strut arrangement in operation. In the upperdrawing, the cover 10 is in the closed position such that the lever 44extends in a direction approximately 45° to the left of vertical. Inthis position, owing to the fixed nature of the connection between thelever 44 and the first end plate 46 compared to the pivotal connectionbetween the second end plate 52 and the first cover member 12, the gasstrut 48 is compressed.

As the second cover member 14 is rotated towards the open position, thelever 44 rotates in the direction of arrow B and the gas strut 48 isextended until, at a point midway between the closed and open positions,the lever 44 has moved through substantially 45° and is pointingsubstantially vertically and the gas strut 48 is extended.

As the second cover member 14 is rotated further towards the openposition, the lever 44 rotates past the vertical and the distancebetween the plates 46 and pivot 52 starts to reduce such that the gasstrut 48 begins to compress the reactive force generated by the gasstrut 48 as it is compressed serves to counterbalance the weight of thesecond cover member 14 as its centre of gravity moves past the vertical.

At the fully open position of the second cover member 14, the lever 44extends in a direction approximately 45° to the right of vertical andthe gas strut 48 is compressed. During such movement the plate 46 movesfrom one side to the other of a line joining the pivot axis of pin 30and the connection of strut 48 to plate 52.

A similar effect is achieved during closing of the cover with the gasstrut 48 extending as the lever 44 rotates in the direction of arrow Atowards the vertical and then compressing and generating acounterbalancing force as the lever moves past the vertical towards theclosed position.

The damping effect of the gas strut ensures that a constant force, forexample, provided by the user, is needed to pivot the second covermember 14 in each direction. In this case, if the second cover member 14is released at any point during its pivoting motion, the force of thegas strut 48 retains the second member 14 at that position thusincreasing operator safety. Moreover, since the gas strut 48 isrelatively small, only a manual force is required to rotate the secondcover member between open and close positions.

The gas strut arrangement described in relation to FIGS. 3–6 may be usedin a cover with relatively pivotable components which are not intendedto be moved as one when in the open position as described in relation tothe present drawings. In this case access into the cover area isadequate without the extra translation movement. Such a cover may findapplication, for example, when motorcycles are to be covered.

In a modification to the above, however, the rotational movement of thesecond cover member 14 between closed and open positions may be achievedautomatically by means of an electrical or hydraulic actuator, linearmotor or the like as shown schematically in FIG. 5. In this embodiment,the free end of the actuator 54 is pivotally connected to the first endplate 46 and the other end connected to a support (not shown) which isfixed relative to the ground surface.

The actuator 54 is connected to a motor (not shown) which is arranged todrive the actuator in two directions, representing a closing stroke andan opening stroke. When the motor is activated, the pull or closingstroke of the actuator causes the lever 44 to rotate in the direction ofarrow B such that the second cover member 14 pivots about the firstcover member 12 from the closed to the open position. When the secondcover member 14 has rotated to the open position, the lever is unable tobe rotated further by the actuator 54 and so further force on the leverby the actuator causes the gas strut arrangement 48 to be drawn towardsthe support thereby causing the first and second cover members 12, 14 tobe slid from the open position to the “full access” position.

To return the cover 10 to the closed position, the motor is driven inthe opposite direction so that the push or opening stroke of theactuator 54 causes the first and second cover members 12, 14 to slideback from the “full access” position to the open position. When thecover members 12, 14 have returned to the open position and cannot beslid further, the further opening stroke of the actuator 54 causes thelever 44 to rotate in the direction of arrow A thereby causing thesecond cover member 14 to pivot from the open position to the closedposition.

To ensure that the opening stroke of the actuator 54 does not cause thesecond cover member 14 to rotate in the direction of arrow B towards theclosed position before the first and second cover members have slid fromthe full access position to the open position, a third gas strut 60 isprovided having one end thereof pivotally connected to the second endplate 52 and the other end connected to a lower region of the support.

As the first cover member 12 is slid from the open position to the fullaccess position by means of the actuator 54, the third gas strut 60 iscompressed. During the opening stroke of the actuator 54, the expansionor opening stroke of the third gas strut 60 slides the first and secondcover members 12, 14 from the full access position to the open positionand the further opening stroke of the actuator 54 then causes the secondcover member 14 to rotate from the open position to the closed position.This sequence will be maintained provided that the opening stroke of thethird gas strut 60 is more rapid or forceful than that of the actuator54.

The first cover member 12 may be located on a base plate carrying therollers 42 which is itself anchored to the ground by means of, forexample, rawl bolts or the like. The base plate may be made of steel,plastics or a composite material and may be shaped to correspond to theground surface area covered by the cover 10 in the closed position.

It will be appreciated that various modifications or improvements may bemade to the above described invention. For example, means could beprovided to prevent the unwanted opening of the cover. For example, twoaligned holes could be provided in the first and second cover membersrespectively through which a bolt or the like could be passed thereby toprevent relative pivotal movement of the cover members. Alternatively,the second cover member 14 could be releasably anchored to the ground bymeans of a latch or padlock arrangement.

In addition, in order to improve user safety, particularly whereautomatic operation of the cover is provided, a control system may beincorporated to control the pivoting movement of the second cover memberabout the first cover member. The control system includes a control unithaving a microprocessor or the like for controlling the operation anddirection of the motor which drives the actuator.

As illustrated in the inset of FIG. 1, the edges of the second covermember 14 may be provided with a flexible skirt 70 attached theretohaving a tubular space or void 72 running along its length. A pressuresensitive switch is coupled to the skirt to monitor the pressure of theair within the void. Any changes in pressure within the void aredetected by the pressure sensitive switch which then sends a detectionsignal to the microprocessor in the control unit.

Before any movement of the second cover member 14 is permitted, asolenoid-air pump mechanism connected to the void is pulsed so that aninstantaneous pressure change occurs in the void. This pressure changeis detected by the pressure sensitive switch and a signal is sent to themicroprocessor. If no signal is sent to the microprocessor, the pressuresensitive switch is deemed to have failed and the control unit preventsmovement of the second cover member. Likewise if, during movement of thesecond cover member a change in pressure within the void is detected bythe pressure sensitive switch, such as may occur if the rubber skirtsstrikes an object, person or vehicle, the switch sends a signal to themicroprocessor which immediately stops movement of the second covermember.

Control of the opening and closing of the cover may be achieved by acontrol panel 74 set on the cover itself or by means of a remote controlon a key fob or the like. In either instance, it is preferable to havean enable button or the like together with open or closed buttons. Inorder to open the cover, the enable button must be pressed followed bythe open button with a specified period of time. This ensures that anaccidental pressing of the open button does not inadvertently open thecover. Provided the safety checks are met, as described above, the coverwill then move. Similar considerations apply to the closing of thecover.

A stop button may also be provided which, when pressed, causes anymovement of the cover to stop substantially instantaneously. Inaddition, where a locking mechanism is employed, such as a boltdescribed above, means may be provided to disable movement of the coverwhile the bolt is present.

The control system may permit the speed of opening or closing of thecover to be adjusted or specified. This may be achieved through the useof PWM techniques.

The security system, such as that found in a conventional automobile,may be provided as a deterrent to thieves or vandals. Motion detectorswithin the cover may be provided which trigger the alarm upon movementwithin the cover.

An interface may be provided on the cover to enable a user to specifyoperating parameters for the cover. In addition, means may be providedfor monitoring the power levels of batteries or other power sources forthe cover. In the event that the power from such sources falls below apredetermined level, the control system may disable certain functions ofthe cover which require high power levels.

A tape heater may be provided which extends along the edges of the covermembers to prevent ice build up. A temperature sensor may monitor theambient temperature and activate the tape heater when the temperaturefalls below a predetermined level.

Fans 76 may be provided in the cover for removing hazardous gasses fromwithin the cover. A sensor may monitor the air within the cover andactivate the fans if hazardous gasses are detected. Alternatively, thecontrol system may activate the fans for a predetermined period of timeafter the cover has been closed. The control unit may also activate thefans when the temperature within the cover exceeds a predeterminedlevel, thereby to cool the interior of the cover.

Advantageously, the internal surfaces of each of the first and secondcover members may be treated with a close cellular foam or the like toprovide sufficient thermal insulation for the cover. In addition, thesurfaces can also be painted with anti-condensation paint to preventcondensation forming within the cover.

While movement of the cover members from the open position to the fullaccess position is described above with respect to a translational orsliding movement, it may equally be possible to provide a furtherpivoting or rotational movement of the cover members to enter the fullaccess position.

It will be appreciated that the cover may be used for storing itemsother than vehicles, such as garden equipment or the like.

In order to reduce the moisture content of the air within the storageenclosure, for example to reduce the occurrence of rusting of a vehiclestored therein, it may be advantageous to include a dehumidifier unitwith the cover. FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a preferred form ofdehumidifier unit in accordance with the invention. Uniquely, thedehumidifier unit 100 operates using a Peltier Effect principle.

The dehumidifier unit 100 consists of a cylindrical tube 102 defining anouter casing. The tube is open at a first end 104 thereof and closed ata second end 106. A fan 108 is mounted within the tube adjacent the openend 104 for rotation about an axis extending parallel to the centralaxis of the tube 102. The fan 108 is mounted on a shaft 110 which iscoupled to a DC motor 112 for rotating the fan. The fan 108 is arrangedto draw air from outside the unit, through the open end 104 and into thetube 102.

The tube 102 is separated into first and second parallel chambers114,116 by means of a wall 118 which extends fully across the diameterof the tube and from one end of the tube to the other.

A Peltier unit, shown generally at 120 is mounted on the wall 118 at amidpoint along the length of the tube 102. The Peltier unit 120 consistsof a first rectangular metal block 122 mounted on one side of the wall114 in the first chamber 114, and a similarly shaped second metal block124 mounted in alignment with the first block 122 on the other side ofthe wall 114 in the second chamber 116. The first and second metalblocks are of different metals and are electrically coupled to eachother through the wall. Each metal block 122, 124 has a respective heatsink element 126, 128 thermally connected to it.

At the end of the first chamber 114 remote from the fan is an outlet 130which is connected to a pipe 132. The pipe 132 extends along the outsideof the tube 102 and re-enters the tube at the open end 104 of the secondchamber 116. The closed end 106 of the second chamber 116 also has anopening 134, the purpose of which is described below.

Positive and negative terminals of a DC power supply 136 are connectedto a hygrometer 138. A positive output from the hygrometer is connectedboth to a positive terminal of the DC motor 112 which drives the fan 108and to one terminal of a thermostat control unit 140. A second terminalof the thermostat control unit 140 is connected to the second metalblock 124 of the Peltier unit 120. The Peltier unit 120 is alsoconnected to an input of the thermostat control unit. A negative outputfrom the hygrometer 138 is connected both to the negative terminal ofthe DC motor 112 and to the first metal block 122 of the Peltier unit120.

In operation, the hygrometer 138, connected to the DC power supply 136continuously measures the humidity of the air within the storageenclosure defined by the cover 10.

At a predetermined humidity level, the hygrometer 138 switches toconnect the dehumidifier unit 100 to the DC power supply 136 thereby toactivate the unit.

The current from the DC power supply is fed to the DC motor 112 whichdrives the fan 108. As the fan rotates, air is drawn from within thestorage enclosure, through the open end 104, past the fan and into thetube 102.

Current is also supplied to the Peltier unit 120 which operates in aconventional manner such that the first metal block 122 in the firstchamber 114 of the unit begins to absorb heat and become warm and thesecond metal block 124 in the second chamber 116 begins to give off heatand is cooled.

Air which is forced by the fan 108 along the first chamber 114, past theheated first metal block 122 and heat sink 126, is therefore warmed,while air which is forced down the second chamber 116, past the coldsecond metal block 124 and heat sink 128 is cooled. As this air iscooled, the water vapour contained therein is condensed and forms waterdroplets on the cold heat sink 128. This water is then drained from thedehumidifier unit 100 and out of the cover 10. The dehumidified air isthen passed through the opening 134 in the closed end 106 of the secondchamber 116 to be recirculated back into the storage enclosure.

The heated air in the first chamber 114 is passed through the opening atthe closed end 106 and is conveyed along the pipe 132 and flows backinto the second chamber 116 at the open end 104 where it is mixed withthe air being drawn into the second chamber by the fan 108. This allowsthe warm air also to be dehumidified and enhances the efficiency of theunit.

Such a dehumidifier unit may easily be incorporated within the cover 10of the present invention. It may be powered by an external DC supply oralternatively, by an internal battery or the battery of the vehiclestored within the cover. Reducing the moisture content of the air withinthe cover reduces the likelihood of rust occurring on the vehicle andreduces the degrading effect of water on the vehicle's components.

The use of a DC power supply increases operator safety and enables theapparatus to be exempt from regulations governing the use of AC power.

In order to reduce or prevent moisture-laden air outside the cover 10from seeping into the enclosure, sealing means may be provided betweenthe first and second cover members 12.

The dehumidifier may be operated such that when the temperature insidethe enclosure is in the range of around 1° C. and 12° C. with humiditylevels above a predetermine level, as determined by a hygrometer, thedehumidifier is operated. When the temperature rises above said rangeto, say, above 13° C., the dehumidifier is switched off and, providedthat the humidity levels remain a predetermined level, the fan or fansare operated to remove air from the enclosure and hence control thehumidity level within the enclosure. If the interior of the enclosureneeds to cool without reference to humidity, the fan may be operated.

1. A vehicle cover comprising first and second cover members wherein thesecond cover member is pivotable by pivot means relative to the firstcover member between open and closed positions of the cover, in the openposition of which one member lies inside the other member, and a basemember on which the first cover member is mounted so that, after thesecond cover member is pivoted to the open position, the first andsecond cover members are reciprocally moveable as one relative to thebase member to give full access to a vehicle within the cover, whereinthe cover further includes biasing means associated with the pivot meansfor biasing the cover members between said open and closed positions. 2.A vehicle cover according to claim 1 wherein the base member is arrangedto be fixed and provide guide means co-operating with the first memberto permit said reciprocal movement by way of a rolling action.
 3. Avehicle cover according to claim 1 wherein the first and second covermembers are of a generally rigid structure and define between them asubstantially sealed enclosure when in the closed position.
 4. A vehiclecover according to claim 1 wherein the biasing means comprise a leverassociated with the pivot means and extending away from the pivot axis,and resilient strut means mounted at one end on the lever at a positiondisplaced from said axis, and at the other end to one of the covermembers.
 5. A vehicle cover according to claim 4 wherein the lever isrigidly attached to a pivot pin of a pivot means, and extends outwardlytherefrom, and the resilient strut means extends between the lever and apivoted mounting on the first cover member, whereby as the second covermember is pivoted relative to the first member, the resilient strutmeans assists said movement, the strut means coming under compressivepressure during said movement which is resiliently resisted.
 6. Avehicle cover according to claim 5 comprises actuating means wherebyrelative movement of the first and second cover members is caused, theactuating means being attachable to the lever at a position adjacent theconnection of the strut means to said lever.
 7. A vehicle coveraccording to claim 4, wherein the pivot axis is located above the pivotmounting of the strut to the associated cover member and the connectionof the strut to the lever is above the pivot axis, said connectionmoving generally horizontally during said pivoting movement of the firstand second cover members to one or other side of a line joining thepivot axis and the location of said mounting.
 8. A vehicle coveraccording to claim 6, wherein said actuating means also effects saidreciprocal movement of the first and second cover members after thesecond member has been pivoted relative to the first member, suchmovement being biased by gas strut means extending in the direction oftravel during the reciprocal movement.
 9. A vehicle cover according toclaim 6 wherein the actuating means includes a motor imparting linearmotion to the first and second cover members.
 10. A vehicle coveraccording to claim 1 comprising dehumidifying means for reducing themoisture content of the air within the closed cover, which dehumidifyingmeans includes a Peltier effect cooler around which the air is passed toremove moisture therefrom.
 11. A vehicle cover according to claim 10wherein the dehumidifier is normally operable when the temperaturewithin the cover is in the range 1° C. to 13° C.
 12. A vehicle coveraccording to claim 1 comprising fan means for exchanging air between thecover and the outside atmosphere.
 13. A vehicle cover according to claim1 comprising sensor means associated with at least one edge of thesecond cover to sense that the cover is in engagement with a fixedsurface when the cover is closed.